MXGP Stars to Eye Selected AMA Pro Motocross National Appearances This Summer
May 20, 2026
PRESS RELEASE FROM RED BULL KTM
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing has announced that MXGP and MX2 Grand Prix standouts Lucas and Sacha Coenen are planning to make three appearances in the 2026 AMA Pro Motocross Championship, part of the SuperMotocross (SMX) series.
The Belgian twins are set to get a taste of American racing while continuing their respective MXGP title campaigns in Europe. Through collaboration between Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s European and U.S. programs, a provisional schedule has been put together that would allow the brothers to race select rounds of the AMA outdoor series.
Lucas Coenen currently leads the MXGP World Championship standings aboard the Red Bull KTM 450 SX-F and has already collected two victories through the opening five rounds. Sacha Coenen sits second in MX2 aboard the Red Bull KTM 250 SX-F and has been one of the category’s most consistent riders, earning a victory, three podium finishes, leading the most laps, and maintaining a perfect record in Saturday Qualifying Heats.
Working alongside Davide De Carli’s European race program and Ian Harrison’s U.S.-based Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team, the Coenens have identified three potential AMA appearances. The current plan includes Thunder Valley in Lakewood, Colorado on June 13, Southwick in Massachusetts on July 11, and the Ironman National finale on August 29. These appearances remain dependent on the status and demands of their ongoing MXGP title campaigns.
The brothers are expected to race in classes corresponding with their current Grand Prix efforts, with Lucas entering the 450MX division and Sacha lining up in 250MX competition. Their first wildcard appearance is slated to come at Thunder Valley, a venue with significant international motocross history.
“It’s official: we’re aiming for three rounds of the AMA outdoor series,” said Lucas Coenen. “It’s a dream to be able to do this while still focusing on our season. I’m really looking forward to it and it’ll be a crazy experience. I’m also excited to meet a lot of fans. Super pumped.”
Sacha Coenen added, “I’m really excited to do some races in the U.S. this year. Since we were kids we watched the races there, so it will be awesome to go over and try the tracks. I’m really thankful to KTM and all the people that made it happen.”
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team Manager Ian Harrison also welcomed the addition of the Coenens to the U.S. effort.
“The Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team will be a little bigger this year at Thunder Valley with Sacha and Lucas Coenen joining us,” Harrison said. “With a short break in the MXGP calendar, they’re excited for the opportunity to race at altitude and in the USA. I had the chance to watch both of them compete at the Motocross of Nations last year where they showed exceptional skill and speed. We’re looking forward to welcoming them and seeing them compete in the AMA Pro Motocross Championship.”
